Maldives leader calls for steps to remove President Muizzu amid row with India

The Parliamentary Minority leader in the Maldives, Ali Azim, on Monday called for steps to remove the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, including a vote of no confidence in the aftermath of the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation’s foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?” (sic), the leader wrote on X.

A row erupted after several ministers of the Maldives posted derogatory remarks on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the latter’s visit to Lakshadweep.

On Sunday, the government of the Maldives suspended three deputy ministers for their remarks against PM Modi.

According to Maldivian media reports, deputy ministers in the youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, were suspended.

On Monday, the Maldivian envoy to India was summoned to the External Affairs Ministry and was conveyed strong concern over the remarks.

The disparaging remarks by the ministers have drawn flak in India, with many celebrities urging people on X to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of going to the Maldives. There were also posts on social media claiming that some Indians are cancelling their scheduled trip to the Maldives in view of the row.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry said the government is aware of “derogatory remarks” on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.